Frank Ocean’s Mother and Many Artists and Celebs Support His Coming Out

By Althea Benloss

Jul 05, 2012 01:40 PM EDT

R&B Singer Frank Ocean opened up about his sexuality on Tuesday, revealing that his first love was a man. Trailing this revelation was a lot of support and encouragement from fellow hip-hop artists and celebrities, his mother included.

One of the first to back Ocean up was Odd Future major domo Tyler, the Creator, who offered support in his own unique, irreverent way. "My big brother finally f---ing did that," tweeted Tyler on Wednesday. "Proud of that n---a cause I know that sh-- is difficult or whatever. Anyway. I'm a toilet."

Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons hailed Ocean's brave action and in a post entitled, "The Courage of Frank Ocean Just Changed the Game!" Simmons wrote, "Today is a big day for hip-hop. It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we? I am profoundly moved by the courage and honesty of Frank Ocean. Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many young people still living in fear. These types of secrets should not matter anymore, but we know they do."

Even Ocean's mother, Katonya Breaux Riley, tweeted her pride in her "brave and honest" son, writing, "I wish more people in the world could be brave enough to be who they really are ... Thank you to all who have shown love and support. My son is the most incredible human I know. Honest, true and loving. We appreciate you!" She also re-tweeted a note from Solange Knowles, who said, "I salute you, brave soul. Independence day."

Artists and celebs took to Twitter and posted their words of support and encouragement for Ocean:

"I salute you, brave soul. Independence Day. @frank_ocean," Solange Knowles tweeted Wednesday.

Tyler the Creator wrote: "My Big Brother Finally F--king Did That. Proud Of That Ni--a Cause I Know That S--t Is Difficult Or Whatever. Anyway. Im A Toilet."

RuPaul tweeted: "Dear @frank_ocean, I ask that U guide my thoughts, my feelings & my perceptions AMEN"

"Once a brave soul opens up life doesn't seem as hard as you thought it was. @frank_ocean inspirational.," wrote Rita Ora.

Jay-Z's lifestyle website Life + Times posted an open letter to Ocean, praising him for showing "great courage and beauty and fearlessness in your coming out, not only as a bisexual Black man, but as a broken hearted one."